Plan Your Visit to Kansas City Convention Center
Going to Bartle Hall, a conference, concert, trade show or the Municipal Auditorium? Find the right event, understand where to enter, choose parking that is actually operating, and plan your hotel and transit before arriving downtown.
Kansas City Convention Center: Quick Information
| Visitor question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Where is it? | 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 |
| General phone | 816-513-5000 |
| Official website | kcconvention.com |
| Main exhibit facility | H. Roe Bartle Hall, divided into Halls A–E |
| Parking | 1210 Broadway event lot and several nearby independent garages |
| Event lot rate | $30 per vehicle at the official 1210 Broadway surface lot when operating for events |
| Transit | Fare-free KC Streetcar along Main Street; local RideKC connections |
| Hotels | Loews Kansas City, Kansas City Marriott Downtown and other downtown hotels |
| Admission | Varies by event; no universal convention-center ticket |
| Normal opening hours | Public entry depends on the specific event and venue |
The complex includes convention and entertainment facilities rather than a single exhibition building. Bartle Hall, the Conference Center, Grand Ballroom, Music Hall, Municipal Arena and Little Theatre can have different entry arrangements.
Kansas City Convention Center Upcoming Events
The official calendar lists conventions, trade shows, sporting events, consumer exhibitions, private meetings and live performances. Event schedules below reflect listings reviewed October 25, 2026.
| Event | Dates | What visitors should know |
|---|---|---|
| EDspaces 2026 | October 28–November 1 calendar range | Education-facility and learning-environment convention; the organizer’s core event program is October 28–30 |
| Meeple-A-Thon 2026 | November 6–8 | Board games, tabletop gaming, RPGs and community activities at Bartle Hall |
| Kansas City Pet Fest | November 6–7 | Pet-related consumer event; check ticket and animal-admission rules |
| DFSCON 2026 | November 7–8 | Literature, authors and fan-focused programming |
| Kansas City Bridal & Wedding Expo | November 15 | Wedding suppliers and planning services |
| KOA Annual Convention & Expo | November 17–19 | Campground and outdoor-hospitality industry convention |
| The Phantom of the Opera | December 2–8 calendar range | Ticketed theatrical performances; check individual showtimes |
| United Soccer Coaches Convention | January 20–23, 2027 | Soccer coaching, education, networking and exhibitors |
| PACEshow 2027 | February 4–5, 2027 | Industry conference and exhibition |
How to Find Your Exact Event
Check the official event calendar for the date you plan to visit.
Confirm the show venue, public or registration hours, and whether admission is ticketed or invitation-only.
Save your correct hall letter, session room, badge-collection location, bag rules and ticket information.
The closest entrance and best garage depend on where the event takes place inside the complex.
Which Venue or Hall Do You Need?
The Kansas City Convention Center occupies a large downtown complex. The exact wording on your event ticket matters.
Bartle Hall A–E
Best known for: Major trade shows, expos, conventions and sporting competitions.
Five configurable exhibit halls form a 388,800-square-foot column-free exhibition floor.
Conference Center
Used for: Professional meetings, conferences, education programs and breakout sessions.
Includes multiple meeting-room levels and event spaces.
Grand Ballroom
Used for: Banquets, conferences, receptions and large formal functions.
Published area: approximately 46,484 square feet.
Municipal Arena
Used for: Sporting competitions, entertainment and arena-format events.
Capacity depends on setup; major seated configurations exceed 10,000 attendees.
Music Hall
Used for: Broadway-style performances, concerts and stage productions.
A ticket for Music Hall does not necessarily use the Bartle Hall public entrance.
Little Theatre & LEX
Used for: Smaller shows, receptions, exhibitions and special events.
Separate room and venue instructions apply.
Kansas City Convention Center Parking: Rates & Nearby Garages
The easiest confirmed public event-parking option is the 1210 Broadway surface lot. Several other downtown garages are listed as alternatives during the Barney Allis Plaza redevelopment.
1210 Broadway Surface Lot — $30 Event Parking
Address: 1210 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64105.
Published event price: $30 per vehicle.
Reservations: Not accepted for the advertised event arrangement.
Payment: Drive-up scan-to-pay or text-to-park.
Walk: Approximately two minutes to the convention complex, depending on the final entrance.
This is a practical starting point when the lot is accepting public event vehicles. Space availability is not guaranteed.
Other Nearby Parking Locations
| Parking facility | Address | Approx. walk |
|---|---|---|
| Cathedral Square Garage | 427 W 12th St | 2 minutes |
| Block 89 Garage | 323 W 12th St | 2 minutes |
| Arts District Garage | 287 W 17th St | 3 minutes |
| 1020 Wyandotte Garage | 1020 Wyandotte St | 6 minutes |
| Town Pavilion / Arvest Garage | 1220 Grand Blvd | 7 minutes |
| Power & Light District Garage | 151 E 13th St | 7 minutes |
| Union Station parking | 30 W Pershing Rd | Use Streetcar / transit connection |
Addresses and walking estimates are drawn from the Barney Allis redevelopment parking guide. Independent garages may have different hours, rates, event restrictions and entry rules. Confirm current pricing directly before arrival.
What Happened to Barney Allis Plaza Garage?
The original underground parking garage was closed in 2024 for demolition and replacement. The redevelopment project includes a new garage and public plaza improvements.
The city project documentation lists a replacement with at least 583 parking spaces. Completion was targeted for 2026, subject to construction conditions. As of this review, current official public information does not provide sufficiently clear confirmation that general parking has fully reopened, so visitors should use verified operating alternatives.
How to Pay at the Broadway Lot
- Navigate to 1210 Broadway Boulevard rather than the convention center’s general address.
- Check the event-parking sign and posted rate at the lot entrance.
- Find a permitted available space.
- Follow the posted scan-to-pay QR or text-to-park instructions.
- Enter the requested vehicle information and complete payment.
- Save your confirmation and parking-space location.
- Check the payment expiry time before leaving your vehicle.
Kansas City Convention Center Map & Directions
Main building: 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105.
The convention complex is in downtown Kansas City, close to Broadway Boulevard, Wyandotte Street, Central Street and Interstate 670.
Driving From Common Starting Points
From Kansas City, Kansas
Approach downtown using I-70 or another suitable interstate route, then follow your navigation to the selected parking facility. The Broadway Boulevard corridor serves the convention district.
From Overland Park or Lenexa
I-35 north provides access into downtown Kansas City. Choose your garage before the final downtown exit to avoid unnecessary turns through one-way streets.
From North Kansas City
Travel toward downtown on an available Missouri River crossing, then navigate to the assigned lot or hotel garage.
From Country Club Plaza
Travel north toward downtown using Main Street or the current navigation-recommended route. The fare-free Streetcar may be an alternative for some trips.
Bartle Hall Floor Plan: Halls A, B, C, D & E
Bartle Hall is the principal exhibition space inside the convention complex. Its five halls form a large configurable exhibition floor suitable for major expos, conventions and sporting events.
| Hall | Approx. floor area | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Hall A | 68,850 sq ft | One end of the continuous exhibition floor |
| Hall B | 48,600 sq ft | Access configuration depends on adjoining Hall A or D |
| Hall C | 76,950 sq ft | Access configuration depends on adjoining Hall A or D |
| Hall D | 93,420 sq ft | One of the larger exhibit halls |
| Hall E | 100,980 sq ft | Largest individual hall in the published breakdown |
| A–E combined | 388,800 sq ft | Contiguous column-free space |
Public visitors should distinguish their hall letter from meeting-room numbers. Rooms in the 2100 and 2200 series are associated with Bartle meeting areas, while Grand Ballroom 2501 and Conference Center spaces use separate plans.
Which Floor Plan Should You Open?
- Hall A–E: Main exhibition-floor diagram, booth location and public registration.
- 2100 / 2200: Meeting-room level and breakout-session map.
- 2501: Grand Ballroom seating and room configuration.
- 1500 / 2500 / 3500: Conference Center meeting-room layouts.
- Municipal Arena: Event-specific arena seating and entrance layout.
- Music Hall: Performance seating, entry and accessibility diagrams.
The official diagram library includes multiple room configurations, not just one generic building map. Use the event’s assigned room and setup before downloading a particular plan.
Hotels Near Kansas City Convention Center
For a multi-day conference, staying downtown can reduce transportation costs and simplify early-morning registration. A connected hotel may also be more convenient than an equally nearby hotel requiring outdoor travel.
Loews Kansas City Hotel
Connected hotel
Address: 1515 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108.
Visit KC identifies Loews as directly connected to the convention center complex. It is particularly useful for Conference Center and ballroom activities.
Check event room blocks, daily rates, parking and the specific connector route.
Kansas City Marriott Downtown
Convention district
Address: 200 West 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105.
A major downtown convention hotel near Bartle Hall. It is practical for meeting attendees who prefer to stay in the immediate convention district.
Confirm the correct room tower, event entrance and indoor walkway access.
Other Downtown Hotels
Compare total cost
Downtown Kansas City offers additional options around the Power & Light District, Main Street and Crossroads.
Compare breakfast, overnight parking, cancellation terms, public transport and walking routes instead of selecting solely by map distance.
What to Check Before Booking
- Whether your event organizer has negotiated a conference hotel block.
- Final nightly rate including taxes and any additional hotel fees.
- Overnight parking cost and whether in-and-out access is included.
- Actual walking distance to your assigned hall or meeting room.
- Indoor connections, elevator access and luggage-storage options.
- Cancellation deadline and incidental deposit requirements.
For additional background on the venue’s room areas, parking and hotel approach, an existing detailed Kansas City Convention Center guide is published on this website. If you are updating that same URL, omit this self-referencing link.
KC Streetcar, Public Transit & Airport Transportation
The fare-free KC Streetcar is a useful alternative to downtown parking. The Main Street corridor runs east of the convention-center complex, and the downtown stop area around 14th and Main is convenient for many visitors.
KC Streetcar
Fare: Free.
Coverage: Downtown, River Market, Union Station and the expanded southern corridor toward Country Club Plaza and UMKC.
Accessibility features include level boarding, with center doors particularly useful for wheelchairs and strollers.
RideKC Buses
RideKC offers regional bus connections around Kansas City. Bus routes may be appropriate for travelers staying beyond the Streetcar corridor.
Use the current route and service alerts rather than assuming the historic downtown transit pattern is unchanged.
From Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Kansas City International Airport is north of downtown. Rideshare, taxi, rental car and public-transit options are available, but no universal direct convention-center shuttle should be assumed.
| Transportation | Best for | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| RideKC Route 229 | Budget travelers | Connects the airport area with downtown; plan final walking or transfer |
| Rideshare | Guests with luggage or groups | Use designated airport pickup; fare changes with demand |
| Taxi | Direct transportation | Confirm pickup and metered fare policy |
| Rental car | Trips beyond downtown | Add convention/event and hotel parking charges |
Step-by-Step: Airport to Convention Center by Bus
- After arriving at MCI, check the current RideKC airport transit boarding location.
- Look up Route 229 and its current departure time for your travel day.
- Ride toward the downtown or East Village transit area.
- Use a current route planner for the final connection or walking leg toward 301 West 13th Street.
- Follow your event’s registration and entrance instructions after reaching the complex.
Tickets, Registration, Bag Rules & Venue Entry
There is no single admission ticket covering every event at the Kansas City Convention Center. Registration and security depend on the organizer and the exact venue.
| Type of visit | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Business convention | Conference registration, badge QR code, photo ID when required, session schedule |
| Consumer exhibition | Ticket or approved onsite purchase, correct public entry hours |
| Music Hall performance | Event-specific ticket, seat number, security and bag rules |
| Sporting event | Admission, entrance location, restricted-item policy |
| Exhibitor or vendor | Exhibitor badge, loading instructions, delivery windows and service manual |
Bag and Security Rules
Do not assume a single universal clear-bag size applies to every convention, concert or arena event. Organizers can impose additional restrictions on bags, cameras, costumes, props, outside food and other items.
Before leaving home, confirm whether backpacks, larger handbags, outside drinks, professional cameras or special equipment are permitted at your particular event.
Food & Beverage
General visitor rules may restrict outside food and drinks. Exhibitor samples, special dietary arrangements and event catering can follow different approval procedures.
Accessibility & Visitor Assistance
The convention center accommodates visitors with mobility and other accessibility needs, but the correct approach depends on whether you are visiting Bartle Hall, a Conference Center room or an entertainment venue.
Wheelchairs
Venue guidance identifies complimentary wheelchairs available on a first-come basis. They are not guaranteed or reservable; check current availability with Event Services.
Accessible Parking
Accessible spaces and routes may be affected by the garage redevelopment. Confirm the nearest currently operating accessible parking facility and drop-off approach.
Assistive Services
Music Hall and other venues can have different seating, listening assistance and elevator arrangements. Confirm the exact event’s accommodation process.
Contact: 816-513-5000. Provide the event name, date, required accommodation and the specific entrance or seating concern.
Exhibitors & Event Planners: Practical Requirements
If you are organizing or exhibiting at an event, the public visitor map is not enough. Each show can have separate freight, technology, catering, labor and delivery arrangements.
| Task | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Booth deliveries | Organizer’s designated dock, freight handler and arrival window |
| Exhibit electricity | Utility service provider, order deadline and booth location |
| Internet | Approved event connection and paid service arrangements; do not assume free high-speed exhibitor Wi-Fi |
| Rigging | Venue-approved supplier, structural limitations and advance approvals |
| Food sampling | Organizer and facility approvals, sampling quantities and health-related rules |
| Room setups | Exact room number, seating diagram, equipment and event-manager approval |
| Heavy equipment | Floor loading, dock access, freight elevators and handling requirements |
Bartle Hall includes major service infrastructure, freight docks and utility connections to support large exhibitions. However, equipment delivery through public doors is not a substitute for the event’s approved freight process.
Event-Day Checklist: Avoid These Common Problems
- Confirm the event date: The broader calendar range may not represent your admission day.
- Save the correct venue: Bartle Hall and Music Hall may use different entrances.
- Know the assigned hall: Bartle A–E and meeting-room series are different locations.
- Choose parking early: The former Barney Allis garage redevelopment affects traditional routes.
- Check the final parking rate: Private-garage and event prices vary.
- Have a ticket or registration: The building does not sell one universal event admission.
- Check bag rules: Your organizer may enforce stricter requirements.
- Plan transit: The free KC Streetcar can reduce downtown parking needs.
- Check accessibility: Parking, drop-off and seating routes differ by venue.
- Save your return trip: Note the parking location or Streetcar connection before the event ends.
10 Kansas City Convention Center FAQs
1. Where is the Kansas City Convention Center?
The main address is 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105. The complex occupies several downtown blocks and includes Bartle Hall, meeting areas, Municipal Auditorium and entertainment venues.
2. What events are coming to Kansas City Convention Center?
Upcoming listings reviewed October 25, 2026 include EDspaces, Meeple-A-Thon, Kansas City Pet Fest, DFSCON, the Kansas City Bridal & Wedding Expo and KOA Convention & Expo. See the official calendar for exact daily programs and tickets.
3. How much is parking at Kansas City Convention Center?
The official parking page lists $30 per vehicle for event parking at the 1210 Broadway surface lot. Other downtown garages have variable prices and hours.
4. Is Barney Allis Plaza Parking Garage open?
The former underground garage closed in 2024 for redevelopment. Current official public information reviewed for this guide does not sufficiently establish full reopening for general parking, so visitors should use confirmed operating alternatives until access is verified.
5. What is Bartle Hall?
Bartle Hall is the main exhibition facility within the Kansas City Convention Center, offering 388,800 square feet of column-free floor space configured into as many as five halls, A through E.
6. Which hotels are closest to Kansas City Convention Center?
Loews Kansas City and Kansas City Marriott Downtown are two major convention-district hotels. Loews is identified as directly connected to the convention complex; verify each hotel’s rates, parking and specific walkway arrangements.
7. Is the KC Streetcar free?
Yes. The Kansas City Streetcar is fare-free and serves downtown and the expanded Main Street corridor, making it useful for convention visitors staying near its stops.
8. How do I get to the Convention Center from Kansas City airport?
Travelers can use rideshare, taxi, rental car or the RideKC Route 229 airport bus toward downtown. Bus passengers must plan the final connection or walk to the venue.
9. Do I need tickets to enter Kansas City Convention Center?
There is no universal admission ticket. Each convention, exhibition, performance or other event sets its own registration and admission conditions.
10. Where can I find Kansas City Convention Center floor plans?
The venue’s official diagrams library provides plans for Bartle Exhibit Halls A–E, meeting rooms 2100 and 2200, Grand Ballroom 2501, Conference Center rooms, Municipal Arena, Music Hall and other facilities.
Official Contact & Final Planning Resources
Kansas City Convention Center
301 West 13th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
General information: 816-513-5000
Other helpful official pages:
Final recommendation: First confirm the event and assigned venue, then choose an operating parking lot or fare-free Streetcar connection. For multi-day conventions, compare Loews and Marriott hotel arrangements, including the route to your actual hall and total overnight parking cost.